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Every Student Succeeds Act Primer: High School Dropout Prevention and Reengagement of Out-of-School Youth

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 includes several provisions that support state and district efforts to

prevent students from dropping out of high school and

reengage out-of- school youth.

Under ESSA, state plans must describe how the state will work with school districts to transition students from middle school to high school and from high school to postsecondary education effectively. Strategies for ensuring these effective transitions may include integrating rigorous academics, career and technical education (CTE), and work-based learning; mentorship or family- engagement programs; dual-enrollment and early college high school programs; career counseling; and coordination with institutions of higher education and employers. District plans may use Title I funds to support experiential and work-based learning opportunities that provide students with in-depth interactions with industry professionals and academic credit.